Franz Eliz
Most travellers to New Zealand stop by Auckland before venturing into even the country’s wildest parts. I recommend spending some time in Auckland before making your way to the South Island. There is a lot to see in Auckland, even in underrated places like Hūnua, home to Hūnua Ranges Regional Park and Hūnua Falls.
Hūnua Falls is a large waterfall at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park in South Auckland. It’s free to enter and requires no hiking. The waterfall looks its best after heavy rain because that’s when the water is larger and more dramatic. After visiting the falls, explore the park’s lush forest.
I can’t help but write about Hūnua Ranges Regional Park because it’s home to one of my favourite waterfalls on the North Island. At Hūnua Falls, people can see wild ducks and birds and have picnics with their loved ones. Keep reading.
A Tall and Beautiful Waterfall in South Auckland
I like coming to Hūnua Falls for a short stroll. And I never get tired of photographing the falls. I enjoy looking at the waterfall as it gives me peace. Hūnua Falls is a great place to relax after a long week of work.
The waterfall is quite popular with Auckland locals. But I think it’s still underrated among international tourists. It takes some effort to get there if you’re staying in the city centre. But the journey will be worth it, especially if you want a picture with one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Hūnua Falls Look Its Best After Heavy Rain
Hūnua Falls stands at 30 meters (98 feet) high. Due to the strong water current, swimming is discouraged, especially during heavy rain. Furthermore, there are no lifeguards at the falls.
After heavy rain, the falls look even more beautiful because that’s when the water gets larger and wider. The best time to visit Hūnua Falls is indeed after heavy rain.
But don’t worry about timing the weather; Hūnua Falls generally looks good any time of the year. So visit it whenever it suits you.
Many Ducks and Birds Hang Around Hūnua Falls
You will find many ducks and birds around Hūnua Falls. The ducks are not afraid of humans. Most of the time, they don’t mind waddling around people. Watching them is a delight.
Some people feed the ducks. That probably explains the ducks being a little too close to people. Note that feeding wild ducks is often discouraged in New Zealand.
There Is a Golden Photo Frame Near the Entrance
As you make your way to the falls, you will pass by the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park golden photo frame. Don’t leave the waterfall without taking a photo there. Hūnua Falls is just a stone’s throw away. So it will be in the background.
There’s usually no queue for taking photos at the photo frame.
Walking Trails at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park
After visiting Hūnua Falls, consider walking through the different trails at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. I have only done the forest walk once. This year, I did the Wairoa Dam Lookout Track. It took me all the way to the Wairoa Dam and reservoir. Before reaching the dam, I stopped by a viewpoint to see the Wairoa River.
It was raining a little during my visit. Thankfully, the lush forest protected me from the rain. The trail was well-maintained. I hardly saw anyone. Hūnua Ranges Regional Park isn’t packed with people in general. Many who visit are there for the falls. Oftentimes, they would skip the forest walk.
You Can Spot Native Birds at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park
While hiking, visitors may come across different bird and plant species. You can see New Zealand’s native birds like the tūī, fantails, and kererū flying or sitting around.
Kererū is a wood pigeon with different colours on its body, with white being the most prominent. I’ve seen the kererū in different parks in New Zealand. I often saw them sitting in trees. Fantails are adorable, and they like flying close to humans. I saw a few at the dam and in other parts of Hūnua. The tūī is also an interesting bird. It’s the most beautiful of the three, in my opinion, thanks to its strikingly bright feathers.
As for plants, visitors can expect to see kauri trees, ferns, orchids, climbing plants, and more.
Getting to Hūnua Falls
You can drive or take public transport to get to Hūnua Falls. The waterfall is about 42 km from the city centre.
If you’re coming from the city centre, take the train to the Papakura station. From there, you can hire an Uber. Your driver will drop you off at the car park. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk to the waterfall. You’ll easily hear the waterfall from the car park.
There Are Two Entry Routes Leading to Hūnua Falls
There are two ways to get to the falls. One will be on your right and the other on your left. I usually enter from the right-hand side. But at times, the entrance is blocked.
If the first route is closed (due to construction), take the second route, which takes you through the shoe-cleaning station. After that, cross a small bridge and then turn right. Walk straight until you find the falls. If you turn left instead, you’ll begin the park’s forest walk.
There’s Free Parking for All Visitors
If you’re driving, park your vehicle at the designated car park. I believe there’s also a place to secure your bicycle if you came by cycling. Be sure to lock your bicycle.
Visitors May Find an Ice Cream Truck Near the Car Park
Near the car park, you might find an ice cream truck. I saw it for the first time this year on a sunny Sunday. It wasn’t there during my previous visits to the falls. It’s uncertain if the truck will be there every day. I suppose it depends on weather conditions and the time of day.
The ice cream truck also offers hot drinks, like hot lattes.
Is There a Campsite at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park?
There is a campsite at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. In fact, there is more than one option. Here are a few options:
- Upper Mangatāwhiri Campground: This campground is tent- and car-friendly. You can park your recreational vehicle here under certain conditions. Generally, campervans and motorhomes should be self-contained. This campsite features a grassy area where visitors can spend the night. The entrance fee for an adult is $9.50 or $4.50 for a child.
- Piggott’s Campground: While it’s not for recreational vehicles, it’s perfect for tents. You can get there through the Lilburne Road Track. It takes about 2.3 km of an uphill walk from the Upper Mangatāwhiri car park to reach the site.
- Repeater Campground: You can find this site on foot off the Challenge Mountain Bike Track. No vehicle access. Campers can stay at the campsite for up to 7 days. The entrance fee is $10 per adult or $4.50 per child.
Can I Do Freedom Camping Near Hūnua Falls?
Yes, you can do freedom camping near Hūnua Falls. There’s one spot for freedom camping in Papakura. Papakura is just 20 minutes away.
You can freedom camp at Hingaia Reserve, but some conditions may apply. The campsite allows up to 5 self-contained vehicles. Make sure your car has a self-contained sticker and certification. Only park in designated spaces in the parking area. Each vehicle can stay up to 2 nights. You must leave the parking lot by 9 am on the third day.
What Activities Can I Do at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park?
You can do various activities at Hūnua Ranges Regional Park, from picnics to horse riding. If you like, you can even hold a wedding at the park as long as you obtain a permit first.
Swimming at the waterfall, however, is not recommended due to the various hazards it poses. Drowning incidents have happened in the past.
Thrill seekers might want to look at mountain biking – that’s a good option, too. For more relaxed, calorie-burning activities, consider hiking through the forest by taking the different trails the park offers, like the Wairoa Dam Lookout Track. If you like fishing, the good news is that you can fish for trout on the Wairoa River. To fish for trout, you’ll need to go through private land and past the falls.
As mentioned earlier, the park is home to native birds. Take the chance to do some birdwatching while you explore the park. Fantails can often be seen flying near the dam.
For picnics, feel free to choose any table you find at Hūnua Falls, Wairoa, or Mangatawhiri. If you find other spots you like, that’s fine, too.
Summary
Hūnua Falls is a tall and beautiful waterfall in South Auckland, located within the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park. It’s free to enter and is usually not crowded with people. Hang out by the falls with local ducks and birds. Enjoy the sound of the falls and take memorable photos.
The best time to see the waterfall is when it’s at its most dramatic, which is after heavy rain. But generally, the waterfall looks stunning no matter which time of year you visit.
Don’t forget to do the Hūnua walk. The Wairoa Dam Lookout Track is one not to be missed.
